I’ve talked before about my personal health ‘adventure’, having a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) which precipitated a heart attack in 2008 and subsequently being diagnosed with what’s been considered a rare condition Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD). It’s now thought that FMD is under diagnosed and may not be as rare as originally thought.

Regardless, I have been instructed by my cardiologist to avoid emotional stressors. Indeed, my heart is a fabulous receptor to the level of stress in my life and seems to be becoming even more finely tuned. My heart sends me messages. I have learned to listen to these messages … right away … without fail!

I have also learned how toxic negative emotions are to my physical body. I can not hold onto negativity or those ‘messages’ from my heart start up really fast!

As a means of keeping my heart soft, open and loving, I have learned, how important it is to be clear about my personal values and needs. I know that I alone am responsible for ensuring my needs are met in ways congruent with my values. I need to practice forgiveness and release ‘old stuff’ that feels anything but caring. I know my signature strengths and create a life that allows these to be woven through out. I hold my friends and family close.

It comes full circle as by engaging in the above practices my heart is healed and I have more love to share.

It hit me in a deeper way on my walk this morning, the notion that we are all being called on to employ a ‘higher level’ of thought and hold ‘both/and’ concepts concurrently. From that foundation, we get to choose, every moment, every hour, every day, which way we direct our thoughts, actions and behaviors.

How this shows up for me is that I can observe and acknowledge the volatility in the outside world, have strong opinions, act in ways where I refuse to accept hatred, racism and misogyny and still work towards inner peace and ‘unconditional positive regard’ for all.

This may sound simple, however, I have found, it does not always come easily.

In many areas of my life, the theme this week has been about taking a risk to open up, allow oneself to be abit vulnerable and hence, ‘creating space’ for conversations that matter.

Possibly due to the current chaos in the world (take your pick), possibly due to the season of the year, possibly due to the ‘circle of life’ (my dad is 94 and in poor health); personal conversations this week have gone deep.

Additionally, in the area of ‘leadership’, organizational development and neuroscience research supports the notion that frequent, positively focused ‘conversations that matter’ spark innovative and creative thinking.

So, my friends, have a fabulous day, rich in possibilities and full of conversations that matter.

I recently re-connected with a dear friend and former colleague. It felt fabulous. Not only to resume the friendship and relive memories of early professional life but to hear about the exciting work she and another friend and colleague are doing in the area of ‘Mindful Self Compassion’.

Life Coaches talk about the concepts of ‘self care’, ‘life balance’ and ‘mindfulness’. Mindful Self Compassion takes this personal exploration deeper in a gentle way, allowing for one to treat ones self in the same way one would treat a dear friend.

In our crazy world today, learning deeper Self Compassion leading to radiating broader compassion, can only be a good thing.

I find myself getting excited in anticipation of spending a few days with one of my best friends.

We met in the Fall, on the first day of University, during registration and have shared clothes, classes, living spaces, the occasional date, many a laugh, special events and the gentle passage of time.

We have held each other’s babies and been there through the tears, and tumultuous teenage years.

Now, we listen to each other’s health woes with humour and grace. She elevates me and we make each other laugh!

I feel incredibly blessed to have such a dear friend and the ability to spend time with her.

My daughter said something the other day that shocked me by the truth of the statement. She said that kids of her age (23) hold us Boomers responsible for all the environmental damage to Canada as we were the first generation that knew the costs that did nothing about it.

I was immediately defensive as I have personally tried very hard to be environmentally responsible, however, this is not the narrative.

As a group, younger Canadians feel deluded, disenfranchised and defrauded by those of us who have pretended we knew what we were doing.

Its a tradition in the recovery world to celebrate the anniversary of one’s ‘sobriety’ with a cake, like a birthday or anniversary.

I’m excited to say that I have been sober for 21 years today.

I don’t believe I have written much about the years immediately preceding July 2, 1994, that’s for another time, however, I say a prayer of thanks every morning I wake up sober and am incredibly grateful for the deep learning and growth my recovery has given me. I am humbled by and have such respect for anyone working through an addiction. Take it easy my friends.